On January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). This new law represents his education reform plan and contains the most sweeping changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since it was enacted in 1965. It changes the federal role in education by asking America's schools to describe their success in terms of what each student accomplishes. The act contains the president's four basic education reform principles.

Stronger accountability for results

Local control and flexibility

Expanded options for parents

An emphasis on effective and proven teaching methods

In sum, this law-in partnership with parents, communities, school leadership and classroom teachers-seeks to ensure that every child in America receives a great education and that no child is left behind.